Veterinary Interview Advice
They say on average 33% of interviewers know within the first 90 seconds if you are the right candidate for the advertised job role, therefore advanced preparation is key to a successful interview and setting you apart from all other rival veterinary interviewees.
A few suggested interview tips for you below:
Out of the norm:
Transparency from the client – If possible, find out what interview questions will be asked before your interview this way you can prepare your answers. Sounds the opposite of the normal process but this way it reduces interviewer and your stress, boosts confidence, leads to more thoughtful relevant answers and shows that you have prepared.
Before you attend your interview:
- Read through the full veterinary job description
- Research the veterinary practice and company
- Plan your journey and allow for traffic and weather conditions
- Bring with you your ID, CV, pen, notepad and any other related material
Dress Code:
- Smart business dress or veterinary attire / uniform
- Due to the veterinary profession, you may go straight from your current employment, so you’re working uniform will suffice
- Presentable appearance always goes a long way
- Conservative colours are suggested to be appropriate
- Feel comfortable
Vet Seekers top 10 questions you could ask the interviewer at the Practice:
- What are the characteristics of the person you are looking to hire, is there anything else I can clarify?
- How would you describe a typical working day or week of the advertised position?
- How long have you been at the company and what made you stay?
- How would you describe the work environment and culture of the practice?
- What are the growth plans for the practice – short and longer term?
- What is the team structure and who will I be reporting to?
- What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding personal training and development and when and how would my performance be measured?
- If hired, what would be the main obstacles I would have to overcome in the first three to six months?
- How do you see this practice developing in the future?
- What scope is there for being involved in any other aspects of the company, such as……?
The Interview:
- Acknowledge everyone as soon as you walk into the practice
- Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer
- Maintain good eye contact during the interview
- Try and feel relaxed and comfortable. Remember though, you are constantly being appraised, so always keep professional
- Find out what the key parts of the job specification are so you can show how you meet them
- Make sure the interviewer knows the benefits and strengths of employing you
- Sell yourself, what do you have to offer/contribute to the practice
- Quote real examples of when you’ve used certain skills or if you have any weaknesses tell them how you are improving on these
- Take your time when answering the questions: Make sure you understand the question if you need to think
Some don’ts:
- Don’t be late or too early (try and arrive around 10 minutes before)
- Try not to give vague responses and if you make a mistake be honest and correct this
- Avoid bad mouthing your current or previous employer or co-workers
- Having done little or no preparation on the role or the practice
- Try not to be over nervous (we all know this can be difficult)
- Don’t go to extremes with your posture; don’t slouch, and don’t sit rigidly on the edge of your chair
Closing the interview:
- Ask any questions you may have.
- Agree exactly what the next steps will be and timeframes
- You should also find out if they are running second interviews and when they are likely to be and offer some dates when you could attend
- They may ask you in for a trial day / morning / afternoon, offer some dates you could attend
- If you are interested in the position, make sure that you let the interviewer know and explain why
After the Interview:
- Phone your Consultant at Vet Seekers while it’s all fresh in your mind.
- They will then run through the interview with you and obtain your feedback and any questions that you may have
- Your consultant will then obtain feedback from the interviewee at the practice and provide you with honest, constructive feedback
- You consultant will then come back to you with any answers or negotiations you may have.
